Imagine you’re leading a team on a challenging expedition. You’ve got a diverse group of individuals, each with their own skills and expertise. But to reach your destination, you need to ensure everyone is aligned, motivated, and working together effectively. How do you do that?

Well in my experience it all boils down to asking five fundamental questions:

1. What are you responsible for?

This seems simple, right? But you’d be surprised how often people on a project are unclear about their specific roles and responsibilities. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t jump into a game of footy without knowing which position you’re playing.

Clarity is key. Every team member needs a crystal-clear understanding of their individual contributions to the project. This clarity not only fosters accountability but also empowers individuals to take ownership of their tasks and perform at their best.

2. Who are you responsible to?

Every player on a team needs to know who their coach is. In a project context, this means understanding the reporting structure. Who provides guidance and feedback? Who makes the final decisions?

Clear lines of reporting prevent confusion and ensure that everyone is accountable to the right people. It also facilitates effective communication and streamlines decision-making processes.

3. Who reports to you and what for?

This question flips the perspective. It’s about understanding leadership and delegation. If you have people reporting to you, what are their responsibilities? How do you measure their performance?

This question encourages individuals to think like leaders, even if they’re not in formal management roles. It promotes a sense of responsibility for the team’s overall success and fosters a culture of mentorship and support.

4. How do you measure your success?

This is about defining clear, measurable goals. It’s not enough to just “do your job.” Every team member needs to understand how their individual contributions are measured and how those measurements contribute to the project’s overall success.

Think of it like this: in a cricket match, you wouldn’t just aim to “hit the ball.” You’d aim to score runs, take wickets, and ultimately, win the game. Similarly, in a project, everyone needs to understand the scorecard and how they can contribute to a winning outcome.

5. What restraints are stopping your success?

This question encourages proactive problem-solving. It prompts individuals to identify potential roadblocks and challenges that might hinder their progress.

By identifying these restraints early on, the team can work together to develop strategies to overcome them. This fosters a sense of shared responsibility and empowers individuals to be part of the solution.

By consistently asking these five questions, you create a culture of clarity, accountability, and collaboration. You empower your team to perform at their best, navigate challenges effectively, and ultimately, achieve project success. It’s like giving everyone a compass and a map, ensuring they’re all heading in the right direction and working together to reach the destination.